To minimise the volume of data generated, infrared diode markers are fixed to the actor’s joints. The drones, which are equipped with a true light filter, record only the light from the markers, greatly simplifying data processing. The system only sees a few points, from which it then determines the body’s position and directional movement.
“What makes our system so unique is that it can also reliably capture sudden and fast movements,” explains Nägeli. “Of course, this kind of demo system is not good enough to meet the requirements of the film industry yet. But it does offer a promising approach.” As the young researcher explains, the system could also be extended with additional drones to capture movement in even greater detail. It is also conceivable that the current approach with light markers could be replaced by automatic image analysis, thus reducing the technical complexity of film production even further.
Sport motion analysis by drone?
The team conducted various tests to show how the system can be used to track human movement over longer distances – something that makes the approach interesting for sport motion analysis. “Until now, it has been impossible to perform a comprehensive motion analysis on runners, for example, because it is much too complicated,” explains Nägeli. “With our system, it’s very easy now to examine how a runner’s kinetics changes over a period of time.”
For the time being, this is still just a vision. Now, the challenge is to continue developing the system for practical applications. Together with two colleagues, Nägeli plans to tackle this task at the new start-up company Tinamu Labs. And who knows – maybe he and his drones will soon land in Hollywood.
